Top 10 Teachings of Buddha: Buddha Philosophy

The teachings of Gautam Buddha explain the importance of following a balanced life, the significance of the eight-fold path to enlightenment, and the four noble truths. The doctrines of teachings of Buddha are aimed at the entire liberation of humans from their sufferings and are also collectively known as Dhamma.

Teachings of Buddha

It reveals truths that were taught by Buddha and also encourages people to follow the Noble Eightfold Path, which ultimately leads to the achievement of enlightenment. The core of Buddha’s teachings are as follows:

1. Three Universal Truths
2. Four Noble Truths
3. Eightfold Noble Path

Let us learn about the teachings of Buddha in detail below.

Gautam Buddha – Facts

Some important facts about Gautam Buddha are:

• He is the founder of Buddhism.

• He was born as Prince Siddhartha in 566 BC in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (Nepal), to Suddhodhana and Mahamaya. As Suddhodhana was the chief of the Sakya clan, Buddha was also known as ‘Sakyamuni’.

• His mother passed away either during his birth or seven days later. Buddha was raised by his maternal aunt, Prajapati Gautami due to the death of his mother either during his birth or within seven days of his birth. Hence, he was also given the name ‘Gautama’.

• He married Yashodhara and together they had a son Rahula.

• He left his home at the age of 29 to become an ascetic. This event is called the Mahabhishkramana.

• When Buddha witnessed the four different states of man – a sick man, an old man, a corpse, and an ascetic, the idea of renunciation came to him.

• After seven years, at the age of 35, Buddha, while performing meditation under a Peepal tree (Fig Tree/ Ficus Religiosa) attained enlightenment on the banks of the river Niranjana. The incident took place in a small village called Uruvela. This tree is now famously called the ‘Bodhi tree’ and the place is now known as Bodh Gaya (in Bihar).

• Buddha gave his first sermon at a place near Varanasi called Sarnath. This event is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana/ Dhammachakkappavattana.

• He left for heavely abode in 483 BC under a Sal tree in Kushinagar (in UP). This event is known as the Mahaparinirvana.

• The term ‘Buddha’ refers to ‘enlightened one’.

• Mahavira Jaina, Kings Prasenjit, Bimbisara and Ajatasatru were the most important contemporaries of Buddha.

Teachings of Buddha

The teachings of Buddha are:

Buddhism teaches the Middle Path which mentions about the importance of renouncing extreme steps like indulgence and strict abstinence.

The four noble truths (Arya Satya) in Buddhism are:

Four Noble Truths in Buddhism
SL No.	Truth
1	The world is filled with sorrow
2	Desire is the root of all sorrow
3	Sorrow can be overcome by conquering desire
4	Desire can be conquered by following the eight-fold path (Ashtangika Marga)

The eight-fold path in Buddhism:

Eightfold Path in Buddhism
SL No.	Path
1	Right Understanding
2	Right Thought
3	Right Speech
4	Right Action
5	Right Livelihood
6	Right Effort
7	Right Mindfulness
8	Right Concentration

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Tri Ratnas of Buddhism

The Tri Ratnas of Buddhism are Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Triratnas of Buddhism	Significance of Triratnas
Buddha	It refers to the highest spiritual potential in everyone.
Dhamma	It mentions the teachings of Buddha (Pali for Sanskrit Dharma or righteousness)
Sangha	It showcases the order of monks who follow Buddhism.

• Buddha was not a believer of the existence of God or Soul.

• He always put focus on karma and ahimsa.

• He strictly opposed the varna system and taught in Pali.

• The concept of Buddhism travelled overseas to different countries. China adopted Buddhism in the 1st century AD.

Philosophy of Buddha

These are the Philosophy of Buddhas that you should know.

1. The Four Noble Truths

1. The truth of suffering (dukkha): Acknowledge the existence of suffering in life.
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya): Identify the craving or desire as the root cause of suffering.
3. The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha): Understand that it is possible to overcome suffering.
4. The truth of the path to the end of suffering (magga): Follow the Eightfold Path to attain liberation from suffering.

2. The Eightfold Path

1. Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi): Develop a clear and accurate understanding of reality.
2. Right Intention (Samma Sankappa): Cultivate wholesome and compassionate intentions.
3. Right Speech (Samma Vaca): Speak truthfully, kindly, and avoid harmful speech.
4. Right Action (Samma Kammanta): Engage in ethical and positive actions.
5. Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva): Choose a livelihood that is in line with ethical principles.
6. Right Effort (Samma Vayama): Exert effort to overcome unwholesome qualities and develop wholesome ones.
7. Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati): Cultivate awareness of the present moment.
8. Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi): Develop focused and concentrated mental states through meditation.

3. Impermanence (Anicca)

Recognize that all things, including life, are impermanent and subject to change.

4. No-Self (Anatta)

Understand the absence of a permanent, unchanging self and the interconnected nature of all beings.

5. Mindfulness (Sati)

Cultivate awareness of the present moment without attachment or aversion.

6. Compassion (Metta)

Practice loving-kindness and develop compassion for oneself and others.

7. Right Livelihood

Choose a livelihood that aligns with ethical principles and contributes positively to society.

8. Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada)

Advocate for moderation and balance in all aspects of life, avoiding extremes.

9. Dependent Origination (Paticca Samuppada)

Understand the interdependence of all phenomena and the chain of causation.

10. Mindful Speech

Speak truthfully, kindly, and constructively, promoting positive communication.

These teachings encapsulate the essence of Buddha’s wisdom, providing a guide for individuals seeking a path of ethical living, mindfulness, and liberation from the cycle of suffering.

Decline of Buddhism

The decline of Buddhism refers to the historical and complex process through which Buddhism, once a dominant and influential force in various regions, faced a decline in its prominence and influence.

The decline of Buddhism can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors, and it occurred over different periods in different regions. Here are some key factors contributing to the decline of Buddhism:

Internal Dissensions and Sectarianism

Over time, various schools and sects emerged within Buddhism, leading to internal divisions. Disputes over interpretations of Buddhist teachings and doctrines often led to schisms, weakening the overall unity of the Buddhist community.

Political Patronage and State Control

In some regions, Buddhism enjoyed strong support from rulers and governments. However, when political regimes changed or adopted different religious affiliations, Buddhism suffered. State interference and control over monastic institutions often led to corruption and a decline in the moral authority of the sangha.

Erosion of Monastic Discipline

The decline in adherence to monastic rules and discipline contributed to a loss of respect for the clergy. Instances of corruption, laxity in monastic practices, and a focus on material wealth rather than spiritual development weakened the moral fabric of the Buddhist community.

Competition with Other Religions

Buddhism faced competition from other religious traditions, such as Hinduism and, later, Islam. In some cases, rulers converted to other faiths, leading to a decline in royal patronage for Buddhism and a subsequent decrease in its influence.

Social and Economic Changes

Shifts in economic structures and societal changes impacted the traditional support systems for monastic communities. Economic decline in certain regions affected the ability of people to provide financial support to Buddhist institutions.

Invasions and Foreign Conquests

Regions with a strong Buddhist presence often faced invasions and foreign conquests, leading to the destruction of monasteries and the suppression of Buddhist practices. Iconoclasm and persecution by new rulers contributed to the decline of Buddhism in some areas.

Loss of Sacred Sites

The destruction of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and sacred sites by invaders or during periods of political unrest had a profound impact on the preservation of Buddhist heritage and teachings.

Cultural Assimilation

In certain regions, Buddhism underwent a process of assimilation into local cultural and religious traditions. This assimilation sometimes led to the emergence of syncretic forms of Buddhism that incorporated elements from other belief systems.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Change

Natural disasters and environmental changes could also impact the decline of Buddhism by causing the destruction of monastic infrastructure and disrupting the socio-economic conditions necessary for the flourishing of Buddhist communities.

Teachings of Buddha – FAQs

Who were the parents of Buddha?

Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha in 566 BC in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (Nepal), to Suddhodhana and Mahamaya.

What are the Triratnas of Buddhism?

The Tri Ratnas of Buddhism : Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Name the most important contemporaries of Buddhism

Mahavira Jaina, Kings Prasenjit, Bimbisara and Ajatasatru were the most important contemporaries of Buddha.

What is the meaning of “Buddha”?

Buddha means ‘the enlightened one’.